hip problems

Question
my 13 yr old german shepherd is having stiffness and hip joint pain.  I have tried buffered aspirin and vitamins, it just does not help.  Anything other than surgery that will help?

Answer
Hi Diane,

Your vet probably wouldn't want to operate on a 13 year old German Shepherd. Instead, your dog's condition would probably be best managed with medication and over the counter supplements.

Your dog probably has some hip dysplasia and arthritis, both are common to the German Shepard breed.

There are pain relief medications your vet can prescribe that work better than aspirin which may restore some mobility. This should be your first course of action.

As far as "natural" joint relief supplements such as Glucosamine and chondroitin, they are usually started before there is a lot of joint damage. Still, if you'd like to try this, it might help. Keep in mind that these supplements have to be given daily for at least a month before you might see beneficial results. If you stop giving the supplements, the joint degeneration will resume.

Glucosamine and chondroitin give the cartilage-forming cells the building blocks they need to synthesize new cartilage and to repair the existing damaged cartilage. These products are not painkillers, so you will want to continue with pain medication, after that first month decrease the amount of pain medication your dog receives to see if there is any improvement. Even a little improvement in mobility can make a big difference in your dog's life, so it's worth trying.
These products are very safe and show very few side effects. There are many different glucosamine/chondroitin products on the market, but they are not all created equal. Drs. Foster and Smith Joint Care or the product Cosequin are often recommended by vets. The dose for glucosamine/MSM varies from brand to brand. If you are unsure of the dose for your dog, speak to your veterinarian.

Another thing you can try is Omega-3 fatty acid supplements. Because of their anti-inflammatory properties, some have advocated their use in dogs with osteoarthritis.

Another product to consider which has anti-inflammatory properties is Duralactin. Duralactin is intended to be used as a nutritional aid for the management of chronic inflammatory conditions including musculoskeletal disorders in aging pets. Results are usually seen in 4 to 7 days with maximum effect in 10 to 14 days.

Most people with arthritis find that the signs tend to worsen in cold, damp weather. Keeping your dog warm, may help him be more comfortable. A pet sweater will help keep joints warmer. You may want to consider keeping the temperature in your home a little warmer, too.
Providing a firm, orthopedic foam bed helps many dogs with arthritis. Beds with dome-shaped, orthopedic foam distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on joints. They are also much easier for the pet to get out of. Place the bed in a warm spot away from drafts.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti